Fortunately he’s healing up, and got good news that he won’t have to be operated on. "My feeling today is much better than the last two days” Martin said. “I am happy that the fractures won’t need surgery. I’m at home now. For me it’s really important.

“The day of the accident I was thinking - why has this happened to me? - but now I have to say I was lucky, it could have been much worse. I had a great medical staff around me.”

The Omega Pharma Quick Step rider thanked those staff and noted the affection he felt from his family and others close to him.

Although an operation is not necessary, it will still take time for him to recover fully. As a result he’s not putting himself under pressure to be back by any particular point in time; that will be determined at a later point.

“My first objective now is to take all the time necessary to heal well.,” he said. “I thank all those who with their messages gave me a support in these difficult days. I really appreciate them.”

Martin has had a solid start to his 2012 season, netting second in the Volta ao Algarve and fifth in last week’s Vuelta al Pais Vasco. He has identified the Olympic Games as one of his major targets for this season, and will hope to be able to ride the Tour de France as part of his buildup.